Urban Tree Canopy Expansion Project

The Urban Tree Canopy Expansion Project is committed to protecting and enhancing our natural and built environments for long term sustainability. The goal is to plant 20,000 trees across boulevards, parks, and green spaces to support the naturalization of these areas and expand the City’s urban forest over two years. 

The tree planting efforts will be supported by the Government of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees (2BT) program with funding of $363,000 to help the City of Leduc purchase, plant, and monitor trees.  

Why is it important to plant trees? 

Trees add long-term benefits to the environment ranging from restoring habitat, increasing biodiversity, cleaning air and water, reducing risks of natural disasters to cooling down pavement.  

What types of trees are being planted? 

Native tree species like balsam poplar, trembling aspen, lodgepole pine and white spruce will be planted in urban parks, along boulevards, and around restored wetland areas to advance naturalization efforts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Where are the trees being planted? 

Trees will be planted on City-owned property. 12 locations have been selected throughout the community including boulevards, parks, and green spaces. 

How are the planted tree areas being cared for?

A contractor looks after the maintenance of the new trees planted in the area for the first two years. The area is not mowed to allow the sapling roots to grow a strong foundation and avoid any damage.

After two years, maintenance of the area will be under the City. These areas will be reclaimed with selective mowing and weed control to open the areas between the trees. More maintenance and clearing will occur to promote healthy tree growth as the trees slowly mature.